Which Areas of the Body Can Be Treated with Liposuction?

Do you eat healthily, exercise often, and maintain consistent body weight, yet still have stubborn pockets of fat that won’t budge? Many people have areas of their body that won’t respond to diet or exercise and these fat deposits can get worse as they age. Stubborn fat deposits can affect your self-esteem, restrict what you can wear, and have an overall negative impact on your body image.

For those who have tried everything else, liposuction can be an effective option to take care of these problem areas once and for all. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the body. Surgeons use a thin tube called a cannula that is inserted into the problem area through a small incision. The fat cells are vacuumed out of the body, creating a smoother and slimmer appearance in that area of the body. Because fat cells do not grow back, the procedure does not have to be repeated in the future.

Are you interested in liposuction to treat areas of fat on your body? Here are some common places that individuals have successful liposuction.

Hips

For many women, the hips are a preferred area for liposuction. Those with fat pockets on their hips are often pear-shaped, which makes it difficult for them to wear certain outfits and leads to an imbalance in proportions. When fat is suctioned off the hip area, women can lose several dress or pant sizes and enjoy a sleeker, more proportionate figure.

Abdomen

A ‘spare tire’ around the middle of the abdomen or excess fat in the lower abdomen is a common problem area for both men and women. Extra fat in this area can lead to a “muffin top” appearance or can create “love handles”. In addition to negatively affecting the appearance, excess fat in the belly area can also be a health hazard, leading to insulin resistance, spikes in blood sugar, high cholesterol and an increase in the chance for developing cardiovascular disease. Reduction of fat in this area restore an hourglass silhouette that is desirable in women and can reduce the “potbelly” appearance of men.

Back

Upper back fat is a common issue for both men and women. Women can be hampered by rolls of fat around their bra area and can lead to pain in the back and shoulder areas. When fat is suctioned out of this area of the body, patients often find they are able to wear tank tops or swimsuits for the first time in years without being self-conscious.

Chin Area

Liposuction is not just for the body – it can be used in the face as well. As many people age, they accumulate fat deposits in their chin and neck areas. This can be the result of excessive weight loss or it can be genetic. This unsightly chin and neck fat has a prematurely aging effect and is difficult to hide with clothing. Liposuction can successfully treat a double chin and slim the face. The result is a younger, more vibrant appearance.

Thighs and Buttocks

The thighs and buttocks are common problem areas for many women. Excess fat in these areas can exacerbate the appearance of cellulite and the resulting dimpling and puckering of the skin can dissuade women from wearing swimsuits, shorts, and tight clothing. Liposuction on the outer thighs, inner thighs, and buttocks can balance a pear-shaped body, decrease the appearance of cellulite, and help women drop one to two pants sizes.

Arms

Excess fat in the underarms can result in an unfortunate ‘batwing’ appearance and can hamper an individual’s ability to wear short sleeve or sleeveless tops. Building muscle in the arms and losing weight usually has little to no effect on addressing fat in this area, but liposuction can target these fat deposits and create sleeker, more slender arms.

Liposuction can be performed on multiple locations on the body at the same time, resulting in an overall reduction of unsightly fat pockets and a more balanced figure. Results can be seen immediately and become more apparent as swelling subsides. Most find that they are fully healed from their liposuction procedure within twelve weeks.

If you have stubborn fat deposits and want to learn more about how liposuction can help you, schedule a consultation with the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery (VCPS) today.